I was stunned to hear the news of Harry Kalas’ passing on my way to the WNST studio this afternoon.

Growing up in southern Pennsylvania, I had the distinct privilege of listening to Kalas as the voice of the Phillies in addition to listening to Orioles’ broadcasters Chuck Thompson and Jon Miller.

Kalas had one of those distinguishable sounds that so many in the broadcasting world can only dream to have. His calm delivery could almost put you to sleep before he’d suddenly jump into his trademark “Ooouuutta here!” when a Phillies hitter would crank one out of the park.

Of course, Kalas was also known for his work with NFL Films and broadcasting NFL games. He narrated the Ravens’ Super Bowl XXXV hour-long video that so many of us have enjoyed watching over and over.

In my humble Baltimorean attempt to honor the Hall of Fame broadcaster, I can only say that Harry Kalas was to Philadelphia what Chuck Thompson was to Baltimore.

For those of us who love the game of baseball and its rich history of legendary broadcasters, we lost a great one today.

It suddenly seems so right that the Phillies won the World Series only six months ago, and Harry made the call.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kalas family and the entire Philadelphia sports community.